Chip Boot Image Universal and Differentiating Code Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for initializing chips result in high maintenance costs and a high error probability due to the need for compiling distinct boot code for each type of chip, even for slightly different models from the same manufacturer.
Innovation Solution
A method and chip design that utilize a boot image file containing universal and differentiating boot code, where the universal code is shared across multiple chips and the differentiating code is specific to each chip, allowing for separate compilation and storage of differentiating code as an independent binary file, reducing the number of codes to maintain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distinct boot code is compiled for each chip type, then the chip can be properly initialized, but maintenance costs increase and error probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boot code is segmented into a common boot code portion that is shared across all chip types and a chip-type-specific portion that handles variations. This segmentation allows the majority of the boot code to be universal while only requiring minimal customization for each chip type, thereby reducing maintenance complexity and error probability while maintaining proper initialization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal common boot code that can be used across multiple chip types. This common boot code performs the essential initialization functions that are identical across different chips, eliminating the need to maintain separate complete boot code versions for each chip type and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If boot code is customized for each chip type, then proper hardware initialization is achieved, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing boot code into common and specific segments, the patent enables efficient maintenance where only the small specific portion needs to be modified for each chip type, dramatically reducing maintenance time while preserving the ability to customize for different chip variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The common boot code is prepared in advance as a universal template that handles all standard initialization tasks. This preliminary preparation allows rapid deployment and reduces maintenance effort, as developers only need to add or modify the small chip-specific portion rather than creating or modifying entire boot code sequences.
3Reliability
If complete boot code is compiled for each chip, then initialization configurations are preserved, but error probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the boot code reduces the surface area for errors in the customized portions while maintaining complete initialization accuracy through the proven common boot code. The smaller chip-specific segments are easier to review and verify, reducing the probability of introducing errors during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The common boot code serves as a verified template that can be copied across multiple chip types. This copying approach ensures consistency and accuracy across different chip initializations while minimizing the amount of code that needs to be manually modified and potentially error-prone.
Data Source
AI summary
A starting method including, after being powered on, obtaining, by a central processing unit (CPU), a boot image file, where the boot image file includes universal boot code and differentiating boot code, the universal boot code is obtained by compiling a universal part in boot code of different chips, the universal boot code includes a first boot code segment and a second boot code segment; reading the first boot code segment from the boot image file, running the first boot code segment, and reading indication information of the differentiating boot code; reading, from the boot image file, the differentiating boot code according to the indication information of the differentiating boot code, and running the differentiating boot code; and running the second boot code segment, to complete booting of the chip to which the CPU belongs.